Are Green House Gasses Caused by Men's Neckties?

Climate Change Conference Fueling a Batik Fashion War in Nusa Dua.

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(12/10/2007)

Does the Bali UN Conference signal a changing dress code for a warmer world?

Delegates at that conference from 140 countries in Bali from December 3-14, 2007, have apparently been told there's no need to don their suits and ties as they discuss how to create a cooler world. "The dress code is to be relaxed, not to wear tie or jacket," said John Hay, spokesman for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.Top UN officials, including Yvo De Boer, the UNFCC Executive Secretary wasted no time in embracing the new dress standard, assuming the main podium wearing a traditional and stylish Indonesian batik shirt.

In support of the more relaxed dress protocols, the UNFCCC website said it hoped the Bali dress code "will allow participants to conduct discussions in a more comfortable environment, as well as limit the use of air conditioning and thereby reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

Local press reports suggest that the special dress code for the Bali UN Climate Conference has fueled something of a fashion competition among delegates who are keeping local tailors busy creating batik designs. With high ranking delegations including heads of states and ministers from 140 nations expected to arrive in the second week of the Conference, the batik fashion "contest" can only be expected to intensify.

Rumors remain unconfirmed that Conference Chairman de Boer has snuck a pair of scissors past security and into the meeting venue, vowing to snip off any neck ties worn by national ministers appearing at the main podium.